Richland’s Winter Wonderland Returns With Kick-Off December 5th/6th - 12/03/25

Richland’s Winter Wonderland Returns with Kick-Off December 5^th/6th

Annual lighting celebration, parade, Santa visits, activities at John Dam Plaza & Howard Amon Park

Richland’s beloved Winter Wonderland celebration returns for its 10th year, bringing holiday magic, dancing lights, and family-friendly activities to John Dam Plaza and Howard Amon Park. The community is invited to join us for two festive evenings filled with music, performances, food, and cherished seasonal traditions.

Festivities begin on Friday, December 5^th at 5:00 p.m. at John Dam Plaza. The popular lighted vehicle parade begins at 6:00 p.m. and the official countdown to light up the HAPO Community Stage and John Dam Plaza will take place at 6:30 p.m., when thousands of lights will illuminate the park and dance along to holiday music.

This year’s kickoff celebration features:

• Holiday characters and live roaming performers
• Lighted Vehicle Parade (Lighted Vehicles on Display in the Parkway: 6:30-8:00 p.m.)
• Free photos provided by Dorian Photography
• A guest appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus
• Live reindeer
• Food vendors offering warm treats and festive favorites

Guests can also wander through the popular Richland Alphabet Home Village, complete with miniature replicas of iconic Richland floorplans and landmarks.

Children are encouraged to bring their letters for the “Letters to the North Pole” mailbox. Letters dropped off (with return address) by December 20 will receive a personalized response from Santa’s helpers.

Lighted Vehicle Parade & Traffic Impacts

The Lighted Vehicle Parade begins at approximately 6:00 p.m. around John Dam Plaza. Temporary rolling closures will occur on Jadwin Avenue, Swift Boulevard, and George Washington Way, with traffic control and police support on site. Knight Street and The Parkway will also close for the evening’s activities, with The Parkway reopening at 8:00 p.m.

More Festivities Throughout the Night

After the lighting ceremony, visitors may stay at John Dam Plaza to enjoy the synchronized light playlist until 9:00 p.m.

Or head down to Howard Amon Park and the Richland Community Center, where activities run from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m., including:

Howard Amon Park - Lee Landing

• Holiday Light Display
• Food Vendors
• J&S Train Rides: 6:00-8:30 p.m.
• Lighted Boat Parade (Clover Island Yacht Club, weather permitting): around 7:30 p.m.
• Firework Show: Immediately after the boat parade

Richland Community Center

• Holiday Crafts
• Free Hot Cocoa & Popcorn (while supplies last)
• Bingo
• Holiday Movie Showing
• Steel Drum Performance by Bram Steel Drum Band: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
• Visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus: 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Festivities Continue Through the New Year

The magic doesn’t stop after opening weekend. Dancing lights at John Dam Plaza continue nightly from 5:00–9:00 p.m. through the New Year.

For a full list of activities, visit: www.richlandparksandrec.com/winterwonderland

Richland Fire & Emergency Services’ November 25 Blood Drive Marks First Step Toward Record-Breaking Goal - 11/24/25

City of Richland Fire and Emergency Services will be hosting an internal blood drive on Tuesday, November 25th at 2710 Duportail Street, Fire Station 74. The event will run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., providing Richland Fire and Emergency Services staff with a dedicated opportunity to donate and support lifesaving blood supply needs throughout the region.

While the event is closed to the public, members of the media are invited to attend to capture the beginning of what will become a major, citywide effort in the months ahead.

This internal staff blood drive will serve as an important first step as the City prepares for a much larger, record-breaking blood drive set to take place in early 2026. By mobilizing employees early, Richland aims to build momentum, strengthen awareness, and highlight the City’s ongoing commitment to public health and emergency readiness.

City Of Richland Announces Facility Closures For Thanksgiving Holiday - 11/21/25

All City of Richland facilities and operations will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. This includes City Hall, the Richland Community Center, the Richland Public Library, the Horn Rapids Landfill, and all administrative offices.

Early Closure – Richland Public Library

The Richland Public Library will close early on Wednesday, November 26, at 5:00 p.m.

Essential public safety services, including police, fire, and emergency response, will remain fully operational throughout the holiday.

Garbage Collection

Residential garbage and recycling collection will occur on its regular schedule both days, however extra bags for Fall Clean-Up will not be collected. Customers are encouraged to place cans at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on their standard collection day.

Utility Payments

Customers needing to access their utility account or make an online payment may do so anytime at richlandwa.gov/myaccount.

More Traffic Impacts Scheduled For South George Washington Way Improvements Project - Lane Closures, Signal Work, And Detours Expected November 19–26 - 11/17/25

As the South George Washington Way Improvements Project nears completion, The City of Richland advises motorists of several traffic impacts occurring over the next two weeks. Drivers should plan for delays, use alternate routes when possible, and follow all posted signage and flagger instructions.

Daily Northbound Lane Closures

Beginning immediately and continuing over the next two weeks, periodic northbound right lane closures will occur each day, starting at 9:00 a.m. or later.

Wednesday, November 19 – All-Day Closures

• George Washington Way northbound left-turn lane to Aaron Drive closed all day.
• George Washington Way Southbound far left through lane closed south of the Aaron Drive Intersection.
  These closures accommodate patching in the previously removed dual-faced curb area.

Overnight Work: November 19–20

Wednesday, November 19 at 9:00 p.m. to Thursday, November 20 at 5:00 a.m.
The George Washington Way / Columbia Point Drive intersection will be periodically controlled by flaggers to support the safe removal of the existing traffic signal and transition to the new signal. Additional striping installation and removal will occur to align new traffic lanes.

Southbound Lane Closures Near Aaron Drive

• November 21
• November 24–26
  Southbound right lane closures will take place to support the demolition of old signal equipment and roadway patching.

Columbia Point Drive Closure — Wednesday, November 26

Beginning Wednesday, November 26 at 9:00 a.m., Columbia Point Drive will be closed at George Washington Way to allow for final roadway patching.

• The southbound left-turn lane onto Columbia Point Drive will also be closed.
• A detour will be in place via Comstock Street and Bradley Boulevard.

Plan Ahead and Expect Delays

These traffic modifications are necessary to support signal upgrades, pavement patching, and lane alignment as part of this multi-phase project. Motorists are encouraged to slow down, stay alert, and use caution when traveling through construction areas.

For project updates, visit: richlandwa.gov/SouthGWay.

More Traffic Impacts Scheduled This Week For South George Washington Way Intersection Project - 11/10/25

The City of Richland advises motorists of significant traffic impacts occurring this week as part of the South George Washington Way (GWW) Intersection Project. Crews will be completing critical work necessary to advance the installation of new traffic signal infrastructure.

Daytime Lane Closures: Tuesday, November 11 and Wednesday, November 12
Between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on both days, the following traffic adjustments will be in place:

• The northbound GWW left-turn lane onto Aaron/Adams will be closed.
• The inside southbound lane of GWW will be closed to accommodate removal and replacement of the dual-faced traffic curbing south of the intersection.
• Aaron Drive will remain open, as will the southbound left turn onto Columbia Point Drive.
• Columbia Point Drive westbound onto GWW will be reduced to one lane.
• Aaron Drive detour: Comstock Street to Goethals Drive.

Drivers should plan for delays, reduce speeds in the work zone, and follow posted detours.

Overnight Work: Wednesday, November 12

From 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., the GWW/Columbia Point Drive intersection will be periodically controlled by flaggers. This is necessary to safely install new traffic signal arms. Short delays should be expected.

The City appreciates the public’s patience as construction continues on these important safety and traffic flow improvements. For project updates, visit richlandwa.gov/SouthGWay.

City Of Richland Facilities Closed November 11 In Observance Of Veterans Day - 11/10/25

All City of Richland facilities will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. This includes City Hall, the Richland Community Center, the Richland Public Library, the Horn Rapids Landfill, and all administrative offices.

Essential services such as police, fire, and emergency response will remain fully operational.

Garbage collection will continue as scheduled.

Regular business hours will resume on Wednesday, November 12.

The City of Richland encourages the community to take a moment to honor and thank the veterans who have served our country with dedication and sacrifice.

For more information, visit richlandwa.gov.

City Of Richland Planning Commission To Host Comprehensive Plan Open House On November 12 - 11/07/25

The City of Richland invites community members to participate in a special Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, dedicated entirely to the Comprehensive Plan update. In place of the Commission’s standard format, this meeting will be held in an open-house style to encourage broader engagement and discussion.

The Comprehensive Plan is the community’s long-range roadmap for growth, transportation, housing, land use, economic development, public facilities, and more. This early phase of the project is focused on gathering public input to help shape key discussion topics.

“Updating the Comprehensive Plan is a community-driven process,” said Mike Stevens, Planning Manager. “We want to hear from residents, business owners, students, workers, and anyone with a stake in Richland’s future.”

Event Format

The meeting begins promptly at 6:00 p.m. with a short presentation led by the City’s consultant, AHBL, followed by a 20–30-minute large-group Q&A. This portion will be broadcast live on Richland’s CityViewTV and recorded.

Afterward, attendees may visit topic stations facilitated by project staff to explore specific issues, ask questions, and provide feedback in a more interactive setting.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Richland City Hall Council Chambers, 625 Swift Blvd., Richland, WA  99352

The Comprehensive Plan Survey remains open through November 14, 2025. More information is available by visiting RichlandWA.gov/CompPlan.

City Of Richland Hosts Community Meeting On Little Badger Mountain Loop Trail Project - 11/05/25

The City of Richland wants to remind residents they are invited to attend a community meeting on Thursday, November 6, 2025, to learn more about the upcoming Little Badger Mountain Loop Trail Project. The meeting will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Richland Community Center - Meeting Room, located at 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland, WA 99352.

As envisioned in the City’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, the Little Badger Mountain Loop Trail project at Queensgate Drive will feature a natural interpretive loop, a trailhead parking area, and a future Gage Road extension.

During the meeting, project staff will provide a brief presentation outlining the project’s background and next steps, followed by an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and share feedback.

Community participation is encouraged as the City continues to expand its network of trails and open spaces that connect residents to Richland’s natural landscape.

For more information about the meeting or the Little Badger Mountain Loop Trail project, visit www.richandparksandrec.com or contact the Richland Community Center at 509-942-7529.